The History of Costume Jewelry

There is virtually no difference between costume jewelry and antique jewelry. Costume Jewelry dates back to the 1930s. By the definition of antique that would also make it antique jewelry. However, most jewelry experts have come to agree that antique jewelry predates the 1930s.

Costume Jewelry came into being in the 1930s as a cheap disposable jewelry meant to be worn with a specific outfit, but not meant to be handed down through generations. It was intended to be fashionable for a short period of time, out date itself, and then be repurchased to fit with a new outfit purchase, or with a new fashion style. It became available in large quantities during the 30s.

Cheap jewelry also existed prior to the 1930s. Paste or glass jewelry as far back as the 1700s. The rich had their fine jewelry duplicated for a variety of reasons, using paste or glass stones. By the mid 1800s with the growth of the middle class there were now different levels of jewelry being manufactured using fine, semi-precious and base materials. Fine jewelry of gold, diamonds, fine gems such as emeralds and saphires continued to be made. Jewelry from rolled gold, which is a thin layer of gold attached to a base metal, entered the market for the middle class. This jewelry was often set with semi-precious gems such as amethyst, coral or pearls, and was much more affordable. And then there was jewelry that most anyone could afford, consisting of glass stones and base metals made to look like gold. All three types were intended to be passed down to future generations.

There are usually clues that can help one identify what era a piece of jewelry is from. Style, material, the type of piece. For example dress clips came in in the 1930s and were out of style by the 1950s. Jewelry reflects styles, designs, colors and stones of the era. For example from 1910 to 1930 silver was the favorite color for metal, so jewelry was found in platinum, white gold, silver or a base metal colored to look like silver. By World War II, gold was popular again but in short supply, since it was vital to the war effort. What gold was available was made into very thin sheets and usually bonded to silver (called vermeil) before being turned into jewelry. By the 1930s rhinestones popularity was ever increasing in Europe. It was not available to the Americans until the 1940s. As a result, many of the pieces from this period tend to feature lots of metal and a single stone or a small cluster of tiny rhinestones.

Today is certainly not much different from past times. We still have fine jewelry, semi precious jewelry, and of course costume jewelry available to us. Costume jewelry can add the finishing touch and show your fashion sense. Costume Jewelry styles of past years are now becoming very fashionable and many are being reproduced. Even with costume jewelry there is a difference in quality. Many of the new pieces do not have the vibrance in the stones or the weight of the older pieces.

Antique and vintage costume jewelry are both fun to collect and fun to wear. No longer is costume jewelry simply "collectable." It is "in style, and" "fashionable," and a terrific conversation starter. Dress to impress!

© Copyright Sher Matsen, All Rights Reserved. Sher from Estate Jewelry International has been serving customers for over 20 years, providing fashion, jewelry,and wedding help. Please visit us at http://www.estatejewelryinternational.com/

---

Colored Contact Lenses, the Hottest Trend in Cosmetics is Spreading Like Wildfire Across the Fashion

A cross between cosmetics and vision correction, everyone from movie... Read More

Men?s Fashion - Designer Suits

"Two thousand dollars for one suit?! Are you crazy? I... Read More

Angelo Carbotti Handbag Line Karen

As some of you might already know Angelo Carbotti handbags... Read More

Bling Bling on a Budget

A nice piece of jewelry can brighten up your entire... Read More

Jewelry of Semi-Precious Stones: Stylish Things of Beauty

Want to make or wear impressive costume jewelry, but running... Read More

Sterling Silver Jewelry Fashion Trends for the New Year and Beyond

Each year, on fashion runways from New York to Paris,... Read More

Eyewear Frames - Catch the Wave of Fashion

With so many eyewear choices it can be difficult to... Read More

Step By Step Making Your Own Spring Fashion Tube Blouse And Matching Thong Sandals

Ladies,Spring has come for some of us and will happen... Read More

Fashion Style is Important

Fashion style is important. You clothes make your fashion statement,... Read More

Shop Right, Look Great!

All through history one thing has never changed and that... Read More

Shopping for Plus Size Erotic Lingerie Online

Being overweight no longer excludes you from wearing sexy lingerie... Read More

Oakley Sunglasses! A Global Brand That Defines The True Meaning Of ?Vision?

It's amazing that it has been 30 years since the... Read More

The Marc Jacobs Handbag is a Reflection of Style and Sophistication

The Marc Jacobs handbag is a reflection of style and... Read More

Leather Jewelry - a Touch of Forbidden (and Friendship)

Most people will agree that leather jewelry is great. Whether... Read More

Have a Cause? Wear a Rubber Wristband!

They are the hottest wearable right now, despite the fashion... Read More

Spice Up Your Style with New Exciting Eyewear ? A Wonderful Fashion Accessory

Eyewear without a doubt has become a wonderful fashion accessory,... Read More

Guide to the Latest Fashion Labels

From the runway to the impulse-buy section at the grocery... Read More

Beyond Gold and Platinum: Mokume Gane

In many ways the "ultimate" noble metal that one might... Read More

Sparkle and Shimmer With This Seasons Metallic Fabrics

The fashion world is buzzing this year as metallic fabric... Read More

Kate and Laura Mulleavy

If you've been following the fashion scene, by now you've... Read More

What Shoes Should You Wear for Unforgettable Prom Night

Prom night is always something you long to have during... Read More

Disposable Color Contacts - Are They Any Good?

The days when color contacts were unbelievably expensive are long... Read More

Body Art

There are several forms of body art. Body art can... Read More

Fashion Designer David Dixon The Designer Guy

Fashion designer David Dixon, is known as the "designer guy".... Read More

A Couture Fashion

Haute Couture is a French phrase for high fashion. Couture... Read More

Bareback Teddies - Show Off Your Style!

By definition a teddy is a one piece undergarment combining... Read More

Turn Back the Clock with Throw Back Jerseys from the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, and College Sports

Throw back jerseys are all the rage across the United... Read More

Pretty in Pink Contact Lenses

Want a different eye color than the one you were... Read More

Celebrities Like Their Pearls

Pearls never go out of style ? they are always... Read More

10 Tips to Stretch Your Wardrobe Dollars

1. Buy what works for you! - Don't waste your... Read More

An Introduction to Lapel Pins

Lapel pins are not just jewelry; they are a way... Read More

Womens Fashion Ponchos Get Sexy This Summer

Ponchos have come down from the high plains and back... Read More

10 Online Shoe Shopping Tips

Tip #1 - Know Your Feet.The best way to buy... Read More